News
Beebe Medical Center Introduces Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
12/04/03
Beebe Medical Center now offers Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning services to serve Sussex County’s increasing demand for a high quality, cost-effective cancer program. Beebe provides PET scanning services through a contract with Integral PET Associates, LLC, which will bring a mobile PET scanner to the hospital one day a week.
An extremely sensitive, noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure used primarily for cancer detection, PET assesses metabolic activity and provides images of tumors that may escape detection by other diagnostic methods, since tumors demonstrate intense metabolic activity, greater than that of normal tissues, structures or organ systems.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Delaware and our rates are above the national average. Early detection of cancer is important and has been shown to improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment,” explains Dr. Ellen Bahtiarian, Board certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, and on staff at Beebe Medical Center. “The addition of a dedicated PET scanner will strengthen the Tunnell Cancer Center’s comprehensive cancer program.”
Prior to offering dedicated PET services onsite, Beebe’s Tunnell Cancer Center team of Board-certified oncology physicians and radiologists utilized a Gamma-PET camera or referred patients to a dedicated PET facility. The new PET scanning service will augment Beebe’s diagnostic capabilities and allow the Gamma camera to perform additional services. Services may be obtained only through referral from a physician.
“Research and patient feedback have made it clear that people in our community value access to the most modern technology, as well as a convenient location for outpatient services,” explains Jeffrey M. Fried, president of Beebe Medical Center. “Beebe’s new dedicated PET service will offer a local convenience for these specialized diagnostic needs.”
|
